Newly diagnosed

[simon111]

Hi everyone I was seen and then discharged by cardiologist after various tests etc

I was told I had mild af..prescribed 1.25 mg of biscoporol,as a precaution .I went away not worried about it as nothing explained to me

Just over a week ago started feeling very unwell went to emergency,with erratic heartbeat .Was told af ..increased biscoporol ..no improvement went back3 days later ..still ecg showing af attack

Went to GP who had no idea if had AF as wasn't told by cardiologist..they confirmed by another ecg ...prescribed me a blood thinner

9 days later still feeling unwell..weak and worried

Feel there is an underlying cause as I have had palpitations for years with no diagnosis

Any advice would be welcomed please

[doodle68]

Hello Simon welcome.

I am posting a link to our main site below , it may help you to better understand AF .

I am a bit cross that any health professional would use such an unhelpful and vague term as 'mild AF' , there isn't such a thing. Either you have AF or you don't and there are 3 basic types...

''AF falls into three categories, which also help to describe the progression of the disease.

Paroxysmal AF – (PAF) episodes that stop within 7 days without treatment;

Persistent AF – episodes lasting longer than 7 days, or less when treated;

Permanent or longstanding persistent AF – continuous AF which has occurred for more than one year...''

Click here for a link to the main information site..

heartrhythmalliance.org/afa...

Please ask if there is anything about which you are unsure , someone here will usually have the answer.

Can I ask how old you are also if you live in the UK, there are guidelines here set by NICE for the managment of AF.

You mention 'various tests ' did that include an echocardiogram.

Sorry about all the questions, they will help others to help you :-).

[simon111 in reply to doodle68]

Thank you doodle68

I'm a 57 year old female I live in uk

I had ecg ,echo,24 hour tape and now a stress test has been arranged for later this week

[doodle68 in reply to simon111]

Hi Simon firstly try not to worry, I know that is easy to say when you are scared and your heart is doing strange things but learning not to to be anxious can help . We have all been in the same position so can empathise with you .

I use relaxation techniques and slow deep breathing to help calm myself during episodes of P-AF.

You say you have had palpitations for years, many with Paroxismal Atrial Fibrillation myself included have had a similar experience . I thought because my funny episodes only happened occasionally it couldn't be anything too serious it wasn't until the episodes became frequent that I took them seriously .

You ask about advice, I can only suggest what I have found helpful ...

First a formal diagnosis and appropriate medication (taking into account the CHADSVAS score and HASBLED), I take a beta-blocker and anticoagulant, an echocardiogram to check the function of the heart, looking for other medical conditions that may contribute to AF (listed in the link I posted) so they can be treated.

After being diagnosed with P-AF I did a lot of research including reading about a study undertaken in Australia which indicated that lifestyle changes might be able to slow the progression of the condition so I cut out alchohol/changed my diet avoiding processed foods and eating a Mediterranean type diet/ lost weight/ increased my excercise/avoided stress / and my episodes are stable.

I will post a link to the NICE guidelines for you....

nice.org.uk/guidance/cg180/...

CHADS here.....

mdcalc.com/cha2ds2-vasc-sco...

HASBLED here

mdcalc.com/has-bled-score-m...

[simon111 in reply to doodle68]

Thank you doodle 68..I really appreciate all the information

[doodle68 in reply to simon111]

Your welcome

[Mouchkin]

I have just found your post. I know how scary this time can be and I wonder how you are. Have you had your stress test ?

[simon111 in reply to Mouchkin]

I'm having stress test Thursday..fingers crossed

[Dodie117]

Ask to be referred to an electrophysiologist (EP) as opposed to general cardiologist. They specialise in arrhythmias.

Good luck

[simon111 in reply to Dodie117]

I will do thank you

[Dodie117]

Where are you based. If you ask you will get recommendations from members on here and remember you have the right to choose who you see.

[Robodog2]

Wow! Well like another member said "mild Afib" is exactly like having an episode of "mild pregnancy." I suspect I had Afib since my late 20s. I was diagnosed with it August 2018. It has been a year of lethargic and moving from the bed to the couch, cooking and cleaning in a chair, riding the electrical cart in the stores. Had my surgery almost 4 weeks ago and 180 degree change. Reduced my bp meds. Feel amazing. Having to force myself to take an easy but I am. I haven't had this energy and drive since my 20s. I asked my first EP about this and he flat said you must have another problem. Not Afib. Found another EP. He did my surgery. He was amazing. I suggest supplements if you can take them. Folic acid, niacin, magnesium, vitamin b complex or B12 shots. That really really made a big difference. If I hadnt had them I don't think I would've been able to slither across the floor as well. Fight the Good Fight.